Saskatchewan Pro Basketball Team Undergoes Major Front Office Overhaul
The Saskatchewan Professional Basketball Club, formerly known as the Saskatchewan Rattlers, is embarking on a significant organizational transformation as it prepares for the 2026 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season. The franchise has announced it will not renew the contracts of head coach Eric Magdanz and associate head coach Steve Burrows, marking a complete change in the team's coaching leadership.
Complete Coaching and Management Shakeup
This coaching transition follows earlier changes in the team's management structure. The Saskatoon-based CEBL squad has already parted ways with general manager Barry Rawlyk, who had been with the Rattlers since their inaugural season. Additionally, Lee Genier concluded his term as team president after the organization chose not to extend his contract.
The club has formally informed Magdanz that his contract will not be renewed, while Burrows will not be returning due to family reasons. Burrows spent two years with the franchise, while Magdanz dedicated four years to the organization, serving his first three seasons as lead assistant coach before being promoted to head coach for the 2025 campaign.
Recent Performance and Organizational Changes
Last season under Magdanz's leadership, the Rattlers finished with a disappointing 7-17 record and failed to qualify for the playoffs for the third consecutive season. Since that disappointing finish, the team has initiated a comprehensive front office restructuring, proclaiming "Under New Management" on its website and undertaking a complete rebranding effort.
"The organization is grateful for the contributions of both Eric and Steve and their families," the team stated in a news release. "Their passion for player development and growing the game of basketball throughout Saskatchewan has our deepest admiration."
Looking Toward a New Era
The Saskatchewan Professional Basketball Club has already begun recruitment for both a new head coach and a new general manager. According to the team's announcement, an official unveiling is expected on February 4, when "a new era of basketball in Saskatoon will be unveiled."
Currently, Mitchell Start, senior manager of business operations, and Graham Forrester, ticket sales manager, remain as the only two people listed as front office staff for the organization. This minimal staffing underscores the extent of the organizational changes underway.
Historical Context and League Significance
Previously known as the Saskatchewan Rattlers, the professional basketball team began its first season at SaskTel Centre in May 2019 and achieved immediate success by winning the inaugural CEBL championship as the host team in Saskatoon. The CEBL has grown significantly since then, featuring 17 players with NBA experience during the 2025 season and boasting nearly 70 percent Canadian athletes—reportedly the highest proportion of domestic talent in any professional sports league in the country.
To date, nearly 40 players have signed NBA contracts following CEBL seasons, which typically run from May through August. This track record of developing professional talent adds significance to the Saskatchewan franchise's current restructuring efforts as they seek to return to championship contention.
